President George Weah’s First State of the Nation Address

President George Weah during his first State of the Nation Address: "...my immediate strategy for reducing poverty... is to embark upon a comprehensive road and highway construction program, that will link all county capitals with all-weather paved primary roads."

(As Delivered)

Madam Vice President and President of the Senate; Mr. Speaker; Mr. President Pro-Tempore; Honorable Members of the Legislature; Your Honor the Chief Justice, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court and Members of the Judiciary; The Dean and Members of the Cabinet and other Government Officials; The Doyen, Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps; Your Excellency, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Liberia; The Officers and Staff of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL); Mr. Chief of Staff, Men and Women of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL); Former Officials of Government; Traditional Leaders, Chiefs and Elders; Political and Business Leaders; Religious Leaders; Officers and Members of the National Bar Association; Labor and Trade Unions; Civil Society Organizations; Members of the Press; Special Guests; Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen; Fellow Liberians:

What a privilege and honor to have her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf here gracing this occasion. Madam, WELCOME. Your presence here today shows how far we have come as people.

HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE 54TH LEGISLATURE

I stand before you today, under the mandate of Article 58 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, which places a duty on the President of the Republic, on the 4th Monday of January every year, to present the administration’s legislative program for the ensuing session of this Honorable Legislature, and to report to the Liberian people, through you, their duly elected representatives, in Joint Assembly, on the State of the Republic.

Before I commence to do so, I would first of all like to thank the Almighty God for His bountiful goodness and abundant mercies that He has bestowed upon us as a Nation and as a People. With His steady hands, he has guided our Ship of State through stormy seas and contrary winds, and has brought us safely to a calm and peaceful shore, where we can find refuge and strength.

HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE 54TH LEGISLATURE

Exactly one week ago, we witnessed and participated in an historic and peaceful transition from an incumbent administration to a newly elected government, the first such event in our history for more than 70 years. Liberians have received commendations and congratulations from all over the world for the civility and maturity demonstrated throughout this long process, which eventually ended in the passing of the baton from one generation of leadership to a younger generation.

And so it came to pass, as a result of this process, that I, George Manneh Weah, your humble servant, took the Oath of Office and was sworn in as the 24th President of the Republic of Liberia, in the presence of most – if not all – of you. I swore that I would preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of Liberia. And, in the process, I asked the Almighty God to help me to do so, to the best of my abilities.

And this is exactly what I intend to do. The Liberian Constitution, which is the Supreme Law of the Republic, and with which I am intimately familiar, shall be my principal guide for leadership and governance throughout my tenure as President. Without pretending to be a constitutional scholar, expert, or lawyer, I have found direction, as well as inspiration, from studying it. I would humbly advise all of you Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen, and indeed – all Liberians — to study your Constitution well, for I find it to be the most useful and practical guide for those who would govern, and for those who are governed.

My assumption is that not everyone is familiar with the Constitution, as they ought to be. I will now beg your indulgence to allow me to make frequent references to it today as I address you. In some instances I will read extensively from it.

HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

What is expected of us, who have been elected by our people to govern them? What is really expected of those of us who have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead them? The answer is to be found in Chapter 2 of our Constitution, from which I shall now read selected articles extensively and verbatim:

(Quote)

Chapter II

General Principles of National Policy

Article 4

The principles contained in this Chapter shall be fundamental in the governance of the Republic and shall serve as guidelines in the formulation of legislative, executive and administrative directives, policy-making and their execution.

Article 5

The Republic shall:

a) aim at strengthening the national integration and unity of the people of Liberia, regardless of ethnic, regional or other differences, into one body politic; and the Legislature shall enact laws promoting national unification, and the encouragement of all citizens to participate in government;

b) preserve, protect and promote positive Liberian culture, ensuring that traditional values which are compatible with public policy and national progress are adopted and developed, as an integral part of the growing needs of the Liberian society;

c) take steps, by appropriate legislation and executive orders, to eliminate sectionalism and tribalism, and such abuses of power as the misuse of government resources, nepotism and all other corrupt practices.

Article 6

The Republic shall, because of the vital role assigned to the individual citizen under this Constitution for the social, economic and political well being of Liberia, provide equal access to educational opportunities and facilities for all citizens to the extent of available resources.

Emphasis shall be placed on the mass education of the Liberian people and the elimination of illiteracy.

Article 7

The Republic shall, consistent with the principles of individual freedom and social justice enshrined in this Constitution, manage the national economy and the natural resources of Liberia in such manner as shall ensure the maximum feasible participation of Liberian citizens under conditions of equality, so as to advance the general welfare of the Liberian people and the economic development of Liberia.

Article 8

The Republic shall direct its policy towards ensuring for all citizens, without discrimination, opportunities for employment and livelihood under just and humane conditions, and towards promoting safety, health and welfare facilities in employment.

Article 9

The Republic shall encourage the promotion of bilateral and regional cooperation between and among Liberia and other nations, and the formation and maintenance of regional organizations aimed at the cultural, social, political and economic development of the peoples of Africa and other nations of the world.

Article 10

The Republic shall ensure the publication and dissemination of this Constitution throughout the Republic, and the teaching of its principles and provisions in all institutions of learning in Liberia.

(Un-Quote)

HONOURABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMENT OF THE 54TH LEGISLATURE:

This is the backdrop against which the legislative program of my administration shall be proposed for your kind consideration. And you will soon discover, upon closer examination, that Chapter 2 of our Constitution forms the essential framework for the formulation of the political manifesto and platform upon which I – and many of you – ran and won during the just needed elections.

It is customary that the State of the Nation address gives an account of the President’s stewardship of the Government for the previous year, and then sets out his legislative agenda for the ensuing session. Additionally, the President is expected to present the overall economic condition of the nation, which should cover both expenditure and revenue.

In this regard, as I have been President for only one week, I cannot be expected to report with authority on the expenditure and income of the Government of Liberia for the previous year, which was administered under my predecessor. Of course, during the transition process, certain information has been provided to us on both income and expenditure, containing balances, which we now inherit to carry forward.

Total revenues collected in calendar year 2017 amounted to 489.1 million US Dollars, which is a 13 percent decline over revenue collected in 2016, which was 565.1 million.

I cannot vouch for the accuracy or completeness of this information, in the absence of verification by a full and proper audit conducted by a competent authority.

This highly unusual situation is caused by the delays in the recent electoral process, which had the effect of reducing the transition period from three months to three weeks.

Nevertheless, and in spite of the above-described situation, it is possible to inform you that the state of the economy that my administration has inherited, leaves a lot to be desired. This is plain for all to see, for we are all affected by it. Our economy is broken, our government is broke, our currency is in free-fall, inflation is rising, unemployment is at an unprecedented high, and our foreign reserves are at an all-time low.

HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

This is the challenge that we face. In order to overcome these constraints and reverse these trends, we, the Executive, will have to work in close collaboration with you, the Legislature, as separate, but coordinate branches of Government, to find solutions to these obstacles to our progress and development.

During the course of this session, we shall propose and introduce appropriate legislation for your consideration and approval, that will be based on the four pillars of our platform, namely:

PILLAR ONE: POWER TO THE PEOPLE

We shall focus on reviews and revision of our education system, improve health and sanitation, promote and strengthen gender equality, and provide for youth re-orientation and empowerment through training of all kinds, the creation of jobs, and the expansion of sports.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The improvement of our education system is and shalI remain a constant and major priority during my administration.

For example, I made a promise that my Government will absorb the WAEC fees for all 12th graders, and I remain committed to that promise.

My government has already started to disburse these fees by committing an initial amount of two hundred thousand US dollars.

PILLAR TWO: ECONOMY AND JOBS

We will introduce new legislation and policies which will be intended to achieve sustainable economic growth, develop and expand agriculture, and address our very large infrastructure deficit, with particular emphasis on road construction and the provision of affordable and adequate electricity for all our people.

PILLAR THREE: SUSTAINING THE PEACE

Under this pillar, we shall examine ways to improve the judiciary system to ensure that the basic rights of all Liberians are protected. To that end, we will propose legislation that will be intended to create new processes and avenues to ensure that all our people are fully reconciled.

In terms of security and defense, we will rely on your budgetary support to enable us to continue to improve the professional and operational development of the Armed Forces of Liberia, and other security agencies, in order to better prepare them to participate in the fight against global terrorism. In this regard, we will specially focus on the housing constraints faced by our security personnel.

PILLAR FOUR: GOVERNANCE AND TRANSPARENCY

We will request you to draft legislation that will focus on the decentralization of institutions and systems of governance, review and build upon the current Code of Conduct in order to increase accountability of public officials and reduce the incidence of corruption.

In an effort to make Government more efficient, we will submit to you, a draft legislation to re-structure the cabinet of the Executive branch to make our Ministries more effective in addressing the specific requirements of our various sectors.

HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

What I have just presented to you is a broad and general indication of our legislative program. However, and more specifically, I would like to inform you that my immediate strategy for reducing poverty, increasing youth empowerment through job creation and training, and improving the productivity of our economy, is to embark upon a comprehensive road and highway construction program, that will link all county capitals with all-weather paved primary roads.

They will be built to the highest international standards, and linked to paved secondary farm-to-market roads that will enhance agriculture, trade, and tourism in Liberia. Particular priority will be given to a coastal highway that will run from Buchanan to Harper, which will eventually end the complete isolation of south-eastern Liberia, a condition that has existed since the formation of this country.

The is a medium-term project which will take several years to complete, but it is the intention of my government to prioritize the planning and raising of funding for this important development goal, which has been estimated to cost approximately three billion dollars. This is going to be very challenging, but I am convinced that, with the assistance of friendly governments and institutions, this can be achieved before the end of my tenure.

HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

I would now like to address you on what I consider to be my most urgent and imperative agenda.

Since the founding of this country in 1847, more than 170 years ago, there have been certain restrictions on citizenship and property ownership that – in my view – have become serious impediments to the development and progress of this country. These restrictions include the limitation of citizenship only to black people, the limitation of property ownership exclusively to citizens, and the non-allowance of dual citizenship.

Limitation of Citizenship only to Black People

The framers of the 1847 constitution may have had every reason and justification to include these restrictions in that historic document. In their own words, and I quote:

“The great object of forming these Colonies, being to provide a home for the dispersed and oppressed children of Africa, and to regenerate and enlighten this benighted continent, none but persons of color shall be admitted to citizenship in this Republic.” [Unquote]

They, as freed slaves, were fleeing from the oppressive yoke of slavery imposed upon them by white slave owners. They therefore wanted Liberia to be “…a refuge and a haven for freed men of color”, and so they restricted citizenship only to black people.

This may have been appropriate for the 19th century, and for the threats and conditions that existed at that time.

However, here in the 21st century, I am of the view that these threats no longer exist, and that these conditions have changed. In these circumstances, it is my view that keeping such a clause in our constitution is unnecessary, racist, and inappropriate for the place that Liberia occupies today in the comity of nations.

It also contradicts the very definition of Liberia, which is derived from the Latin word “liber,” Meaning “Liberty.” I believe that we should have nothing to fear from people of any other race becoming citizen of Liberia, once they conform to the requirements of our Immigration and Naturalization Laws, as maybe appropriately amended to address this new situation.

In fact, we have everything to gain. If we look in our region amongst the other member states of ECOWAS, especially our neighbors in La Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, it will soon be observed that permitting people of other races to become citizens has not marginalized their indigenes.

I believe that this is an anomaly that should not have found its way into the 1986 Constitution [Chapter 4, Article 27]. I therefore strongly recommend and propose, respectfully, that consideration should be given to removing it by appropriate measures provided for in our laws for amending the Constitution [Chapter 12].

Restriction of Land Ownership Exclusively to Citizens

The second provision in our Constitution which tends today to impede our progress and stunt our growth and development is the restriction of land ownership only to Liberian citizens [Article 22-a].

No foreign investor – in fact, not any investor – will be willing to make significant direct investments in our country if they cannot own property in fee simple. Furthermore, direct investments placed on leased properties are virtually unbankable, because most banks are reluctant to accept leaseholds as collateral for loans to persons and business entities for projects that could very well enhance our development and create jobs for our people.

It is inconsistent with my pronouncement that “Liberia is open for business”, while at the same time denying those who would heed our call and come to Liberia to invest, when they are prevented from owning property because of their lack of Liberian citizenship.

Liberian citizens are free to purchase property in any other country as non-citizens, yet our Constitution and laws will not allow similar privileged to be accorded to the citizens of other nations. I therefore strongly recommend that this restriction be removed, and that the appropriate rules and regulations of the Land Commission and other relevant agencies be amended and strengthened to accommodate this new development, if approved by referendum.

Dual Citizenship

The third matter of concern to me is the restriction placed in our Constitution on Liberians holding dual citizenship.

I believe that most Liberians who are also citizens of another country probably acquired the additional nationality as a means to escape from the terrible atrocities, which characterized our civil conflict, and for economic survival in their new countries of residence. If, as a condition precedent for other countries to grant citizenship to these persons, they had to dis-avow their loyalty to Liberia and pledge allegiance to the laws of another country, then it could have been out of necessity, rather than a matter of the heart.

And if conditions now exist in Liberia that make them want to return home and contribute their quota to the development of our common patrimony, then I do not think that it is fair to treat them as non-citizens in the land of their birth. Many Liberians in diaspora have heard my clarion call to return home and bring their energies, skills, talents, and expertise to join us in the building of a New Liberia.

We need them, and so long as they were born in this country, they were Liberians first, and I believe that they should be welcomed back home with open arms. Whether or not they are required to renounce their adopted nationalities, should be a matter of their consciences and the laws which govern their naturalization in their respective domiciles. They should be free to make those choices and decisions.

HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

We are all aware that a Constitutional Review Committee was recently established during the previous administration to review these issues, amongst others. The Report was presented to the Executive, who then duly forwarded it to you for your consideration, and, to the best of my knowledge, it is still tabled and awaiting your action. Our people spoke.

However, some of the provisions that were agreed upon are not – in my view — in the interest of future peace and sustainable economic growth of our Nation.

If we must build a new Liberia that will unite us all and open our doors to investors, then I will respectfully request, Ladies and Gentlemen, that you re-visit the work of the Commission in light of new, and existing, realities, in the best interest of our people and Nation.

HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE 54TH LEGISLATURE:

With the assessment that I gave you earlier of the poor condition of our economy, I believe that it is appropriate that we should all make sacrifices in the interest of our country. According to Article 60 of the Constitution, the salaries of the President and the Vice President are established by the Legislature, and cannot be increased or reduced during the period for which they are elected.

However, in view of the very rapidly deteriorating situation of the economy, I am informing you today, with immediate effect, that I will reduce my salary and benefits by 25% and give the proceeds back to the Consolidated Fund for allocation and appropriation as they see fit.

In the meantime, I would urge you, Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen; to follow my lead, in the interest of your constituents.

AND SO IN CLOSING, HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE 54TH LEGISLATURE, let us all remember that we were elected to serve the Liberian people, and not to be masters over them. Let us all strive to practice servant-leadership, whereby all that we do inside and outside these Chambers as elected leaders shall be for the benefit of the Liberian people, by whose mandate we have been given this responsibility to lead them, and this opportunity to serve them.

Let us all exert our best effort to ensure that, in the cause of the people, the struggle must end!

AND NOW, HONORABLE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I wish to report to you, and through you to all of your constituents, that the State of the Nation is peaceful and full of promise. We are at peace with ourselves, we are at peace with our neighbors, and we are at peace with the world. There is hope that this newly elected government will bring the change that our people deserve, and will usher in a new era of prosperity and growth.

19 COMMENTS

His Excellency, President George Mannan Weah: THANK YOU!! I congratulate you for this very bold, rational, patriotic stand that you have taken in just the very first month of your administration. The repeal of this racist clause in Liberia’s constitution is long over due. I support you wholeheartedly for this bold stand that you have taken against racism as well as the repeal of the constitutional clause that restricts land ownership to only Liberian citizens. It is mind boggling to see that Negro Liberians — who are naturalized U.S. citizens, permanent residents/green card holders, as well as non U.S. citizens — can enjoy these rights (U.S. citizenship and land /real property ownership) here in the good old U.S.A; but want to deny these same rights to non-Negro citizens of this and other countries. I do not think that some of them have heard the saying: Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You. I have written about repealing this racist clause and the unfair restriction on land ownership to only Liberian citizens in the Liberian Studies Journal as well as in FrontPage Africa!! Anything that I can do to help in doing away with these racist, exclusionary clauses in the Liberian Constitution, I am willing, able, and ready to help!! THANK YOU AGAIN, YOUR EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT WEAH, FOR YOUR BOLD, EARLY STAND ON ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES IN LIBERIA. I wish you success in all of your endeavors during your presidency.

Okay professor, can you become a citizen of Lebanon or India or even purchase land in both of these countries? Because citizens of these two countries are the ones wanting citizenship and land ownership in Liberia.

You know as well as I do that individuals born in America are NOT the ones vying to become citizens of Liberia or to own land. So stop comparing the benefits of the United States of America which is 88 times bigger than to Liberia; instead compare the laws of the countries Lebanon and India who’s citizens stand to benefit the most from Liberian citizenship and land ownership, and educate yourself as to whether you would you be allowed the same according to their laws were you to move to these countries.

Stop using the United States of America as a measurement as no Lebanese or Indian citizen can come to America and dominate the economy as they have done in Liberia. Yet here you are advocating for the continuation of such. No country development is based on citizenship or land ownership. It is based on good GOVERNANCE. And this should have been the focus of POTROL first state of the Nation Address.

This is the hope the Liberians has long been waiting for…
Thank you Mr.President for making Liberians to fell that Liberia is for them once again….
May god guide u as u also lead this country for 12years…

My name is Abraham Darbeh Hoto a native from Pleebo,Maryland county and a student at the Ideal College International Takoradi,Ghana

At last someone has the balls to tackle the many flaws in Liberia’s 1986 antiquated constitution: the hazards and vicissitudes in our failing nation.

Liberians frequently make developmental comparison to other well developing African countries: only to find out that the pace of development in those countries far surpasses Liberia’s development.

Countries, like Ivory Coast, Ghana, Namibia, Botswana, Angola, South Africa, and just to name a few (after colonial rule) have amended their antiquated laws (immigration, citizenship, land rights, and business laws) in their constitutions to meet progressive development and national unity goals.

Our racist law has long been an impediment to Liberia’s economic development. We want business people to invest their hard-earned money and talent in Liberia, but we refuse to offer them the right to land ownership and Liberian citizenship.

Such xenophobic and protectionist ideologies have deprived Liberia from creating a competitive free market economy: which is good for attracting foreign businesses; good for attracting the bright and brightest to work in Liberia and they eventually becoming Liberian citizens.

The more liberal ( non-racist) immigration and dual citizenship policies we have in Liberia, the more free market competition coupled with the influx of talented people we will have in Liberia thus creating more private jobs opportunities; creating more research and development for more Liberians and their families to advance their capacities. This will also cut down on the over-dependency of scarce government job-fights taking place in Liberia.

It is strange to note that the President focused mostly on the immigration aspect that impedes progress but he did not mention the need to reduce the self-serving and unwarranted extension in the 6 years Presidential; 9 years Senatorial, and 6 years representative terms in office that were embedded in the 1986 Constitution to satisfy PRC (People’s Redemption Council) members’ political aggrandizement.

We welcome decentralization in Liberia but the “imperial presidency syndrome” will still exist in Liberia if the respective counties are not given more autonomy in their economic development goals, and if superintendents and mayors are not elected by the people, for the people of their respective counties and cities.

Finally, cutting the President’s salary by 25% is an exemplary beginning of sacrificial leadership that is highly commendable. This is the type of progressive, lean management, and dynamic leadership that is urgently needed to move this slow turtle…Liberia……in the right direction toward rapid economic development.

We all know that due to delay in the legally contested election, your short transitional preparation of three weeks robbed you of the lengthy three months transitional period needed. However, Mr. President you have the ball rolling. Please use all the legal and professional advice available because the Liberian people, the international community, and the free press are watching your CDC led government like a hawk.

As one anonymous philosopher once said, “The prosperity of a people is proportionate to the number of hands and minds usefully employed.” Liberia is desperately in need of that economic prosperity.

May God guide you and your leadership team as you steer this old sinking ship (Liberia) back to its rightful place among the comity of prosperous nations.

Some natives who are descendants of chiefs who favored slavery or sold slaves to slave traders in Africa in exchange for goods, land and guns in past Liberian histories should be mindful of the fact that this was one main reason why our freedom came. There were series of tribal wars in our history amongst Chiefs who opposed slave trade on the side of settlers and those who sold slaves. It is disgusting that some still want to sell slaves again. This is one reason why only people of negro descend is a crucial pillar in the Liberian constitutional existence. A fixed stabled asset. We have also tried dual citizenship but did not work for lack of nationalism, being loyal to two nations identities some not allies inducing terror and destruction which also helped to introduced the last civil war. Re instating citizenship for Liberians who were forced to foreign nationals because of external circumstances, for example, the civil war, penury, incarcerated over stay, greed for wealth or superfluous incidents and others make some sense. But such commitment should be made denouncing (chose only one) such nationality to claim only Liberian. No one can be obligated to or serve two masters in the Liberian cultural setting, as may be but one God. Another reason why we should avoid conflicts. We should have not fought the war in the first place if we had done what our forefathers and founders told us to do and utilize our resources wisely for ourselves. Some wanted to test the truism of the sufferings of the Chiefs, Elders, Settlers, their Children and followers who established this glorious land of liberty. Citizenship is similar to the right to a freedom of choice and is one at a time. Self governance is a solution. May the people of Liberia, Liberians, be told. January 31, 2018 ends the incumbent’s transition. After which time we begin to see the true colors of this in coming President and begin to explain the Liberian languages. Enough unpaid knowledge for the rich or poor. Make your own research. Do Not reply this Box.
Gone to silent 57% majority.

Wow, I am highly overwhelmed and impressed with the speech of our President. Like he said in his inaugural address, though he might not give good speeches but he will make good decisions in the best interest of the people and the nation. This State of the Nation address speaks volumes; it envisages all the problems Liberia have been faced with over the years. This Patriot spoke from within his heart. We Liberians have elected a die-hard son of the soil Liberian, because he feels all of our pains and qualms.
Honorable, Ladies and gentlemen of the 54th Legislature, the ball is now in your court to follow the President lead by cutting your self-designed salaries (not constitutionally supported) by 50% or the people will pressure you to do so. The hardship is a share responsibility not only on the citizens outside of government employ burdens.
In the cause of the struggle we all will economically rise together. The New Liberia

Bill, I disagree… wherein the Citizenship / Land ownership / Dual-nationality are a priority because the ‘money pepo’ will not come and invest in Liberia unless they are sure that some tenure can be obtained… and with the Liberian local currency in free-fall, and no money in the government coffers, without foreign investment there is no money to allow the Government to focus on anything. GW very sensibly recognises that fact and that’s why he wants those changes in the Constitution… because without those specific changes, Liberia will remain exactly where it is right now.

As the famous scientist Albert Einstein once said: “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.”… which, in this context, means that unless Liberia makes changes (to its Constitution) then nothing will change (in the economy), and Liberia will slide ever more into oblivion… all whilst the countries around it (who do allow non-negro Citizenship / foreigner Land ownership / Dual-nationality) reap the benefits.

If those (racist) clauses are addressed, investors will come; then there’ll be growth, employment for locals, money in the society, and everyone gains.

Mr Presiden,thank for your excellent speech and in keeping with your promise concerning payment of WAEC fees.payment of WAEC fee is welcoming but what will happen before the student is promoted to 12th grade.We the common people expected the president to address issues like free education, free health care and price control because these are the changes liberians expect. I disagree with the president by amending the Constitution to grant non negro citizenship because we liberians are already spectator in our economy so what will happen when non negros are granted citizenship.changing cabinet ministers is not the change the common people want.The common people want changes that will improve their lives.The president didn’t tell the liberian people the reason thing prices are high and that of the high rate for foreign currency.The president needs to tell us what he will do to over come these situations.
Lastly the president needs to tell us what are his benefits and salary before reducing it to 25%.

Be mindful of how you give citizenship to other nationals especially Lebanese, Indians, etc. You should travel to their country and see how they treat blacks people before making such decision. Do not be fooled by their pretense just to enrich themselves in our country through the trade that they do. They do not like us. You will know when you are visiting their side of the globe.
Besides, allowing others nationals in your country as citizen does not necessarily bring about development. It is we the Liberians that can develop our country not foreigners. It is the vision and commitment that we lack. Let consider the UAE as an example of how they have built their country to such an enviable status. If we could first start by eradicating corruption completely, implementing some of the good laws, and policies that we already have and coming up with additional good ones that will steer us in the direction of sustainable development, it will make a great difference.

THIS IS AN IMPRESSIVE STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS. THE PRESIDENT TOUCHED ALMOST ALL THAT THE NEED TO BE DONE, EXCEPT UNDER PILLAR THREE: SUSTAINING THE PEACE, HE SAID ” WE SHALL EXAMINE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT THE BASIC RIGHTS OF ALL LIBERIANS ARE PROTECTED. TO THAT END, WE WILL PROPOSE LEGISLATION THAT WILL BE INTENDED TO CREATE NEW PROCESSES AND AVENUE TO ENSURE THAT ALL OUR PEOPLE ARE FULLY RECONCILED”.

HE FURTHER SAID: “IN TERMS OF SECURITY AND DEFENSE, WE WILL RELY ON YOUR BUDGETARY SUPPORT TO ENABLE US TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE PROFESSIONAL AND OPERATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARMED FORCES OF LIBERIA, AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES, IN ORDER TO BETTER PREPARE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL TERRORISM. IN THIS REGARD, WE WILL SPECIALLY FOCUS ON THE HOUSING CONSTRAINTS FACED BY OUR SECURITY PERSONNEL”

MR. PRESIDENT, IN ORDER FOR YOUR GOVERNMENT TO DO ALL OF THE ABOVE, YOU NEED TO IMPROVE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN LIBERIA AND HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY SECTOR REFORM PROGRAM THAT WILL BE SUSTAINABLE IN KEEPING WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARD.

Is Liberia up for Sale? They will buy all the land and properties and we will pay them to stay in our own country. They have more MONEY. Risky business! Liberians home and abroad FIRST. Please, Mr. President.

I say goody goody to you Mr president may God grant you more wisdom and understanding,thank you for the earnest decision on the citezineship this will cause economic growth,development and job facilities for our nation.

You’ve spoken friendly, and cordial. But let me this to you.
If you measure the advantages and disadvantages of allowing just anyone to be citizen and Land owner,without restrictions or set standards, as rightly said, you will understand that the com will exceed the pro. In fact, have you visited Liberia in recent times? If not, then try do so, this will help you to be aware of situation on ground.
H.E. Amb. George was not mistaken in his speech to restrict Liberian citizenship and land ownership to only Negros and the Congos. It is not about you nor me. It’s all about Liberia. Making it better for our next generations.

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